Samuel Alken

Samuel Alken Sr. (London October 22, 1756 – November 9, 1815 London) was an English artist,^[1] a leading exponent of the newly developed technique of aquatint.

History

Samuel Alken entered the Royal Academy Schools, London, as a sculptor in 1772. He published A New Book of Ornaments Designed and Etched by Samuel Alken in 1779, and later established himself as one of the most competent engravers in the new technique of aquatint.

His works included plates after George Morland, Richard Wilson, Thomas Rowlandson and Francis Wheatley.^[2] His plates for Sixteen views of the lakes in Cumberland and Westmorland after drawings John Emes and John Smith ^[3][4] were published in 1796,^[2] and a set of aquatint views of North Wales after drawings by the Rev. Brian Broughton^[5] in 1798.^[2]

Relatives

The Alken family claims several well-known artists.^[6]

There are some sporting paintings signed S. Alken, but they may be the work of his eldest son, Samuel.

See also

• Henry Thomas Alken

Bibliography

• S. T. Prideaux: Aquatint Engraving (London, 1909, rev. 1968)
• M. D. George: A Catalogue of Political and Personal Satires, London, B.M. cat., vii (London, 1942)

References

1. The Grove Dictionary of Art David Alexander on Samuel Alken at artnet.com
2.  "Alken, Samuel". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.
3. "List Of New Publications, And New Editions". The Register of the Times, Or: Political Museum 6: 67. 1795.
4. "Sixteen views of the lakes in Cumberland and Westmorland". Yale Center For British Art. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
5. "Conway Castle, Carnarvonshire / Six Picturesque Views in North Wales". British Museum. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
6. The Grove Dictionary of Art on Alken at artnet.com